Elastomeric matrices based on plasticized pvoh compositions and uses thereof

Abstract

Provided herein is an elastomeric matrix which includes poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), at least two plasticizers none of which is water, and water. The combined mass ratio of plasticizers to PVOH is at least 2:1; and the combined mass content of PVOH and plasticizers is at least 70% by weight of the total weight of the matrix excluding water.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An ophthalmic device comprising an elastomeric matrix, that comprises:
 poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH),   at least one plasticizer which is not water, and   water,   wherein:   a mass ratio of said plasticizer to said PVOH is at least 2:1; and   a combined mass content of said PVOH and said plasticizer is at least 70% wt of the total weight of the matrix excluding said water.   
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one plasticizer comprises at least two plasticizers, none of which is water. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said elastomeric matrix is characterized by substantially isotropic swelling and shrinking. 
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said elastomeric matrix has substantially the same shape under wet or dry conditions. 
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said elastomeric matrix is characterized by swelling by less than 50% by volume under wet conditions. 
     
     
         8 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said PVOH is characterized by a degree of hydrolysis of more than 90%. 
     
     
         11 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said PVOH is characterized by a degree of polymerization between 500 and 5000. 
     
     
         12 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said plasticizer or at least one of said plasticizers comprises at least two hydrogen bond forming functional groups. 
     
     
         13 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said plasticizer or at least one of said plasticizers is characterized by a molar mass of less than 1,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         14 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein, when comprising more than one plasticizer, at least one of said plasticizers is an oligomer characterized by a molar mass of more than 1,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         15 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein, when comprising more than one plasticizer, at least one of said plasticizers is characterized by a viscosity of at least 1000 cp, and at least one other of said plasticizers is characterized by a viscosity of less than 200 cp. 
     
     
         16 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said plasticizer or each of said plasticizers is ophthalmically acceptable. 
     
     
         26 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said water constitute less than 50% wt of the total mass content of said elastomeric matrix. 
     
     
         27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said elastomeric matrix is essentially devoid of covalent crosslinking. 
     
     
         29 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , further comprising a pharmaceutically active agent. 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said elastomeric matrix consists of ophthalmically acceptable ingredients. 
     
     
         35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , configured to be positioned on a surface of an eye. 
     
     
         37 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 36 , wherein said surface is at least partially underneath at least one of the upper and lower eyelids and outside a cornea of the eye. 
     
     
         38 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , configured to deliver at least one pharmaceutically active agent to an eye for an extended period of time. 
     
     
         39 . The ophthalmic device of  claim 2 , wherein said plasticizer or each of said plasticizers is characterized by a molar mass of less than 1,000 g/mol.